Who will love me& #63; Is sex the same as love& #63; Who can I trust& #63;

These are just some of the questions that preteens often ask& mdash;hard questions that parents do not always feel comfortable answering. Whether the topic is love, sex, pregnancy, AIDS, masturbation, dating, homosexuality, or sexual abuse, Dr. Michelle Harrison gives preteens the information that they need to make intelligent, responsible choices.

Dr. Harrison stresses that finding out what is best for oneself is the best way to grow up. She aims to help preteens believe in themselves and face the sometimes difficult choices presented to them in today& rsquo;s world of media influence, drugs, and sexually transmitted diseases. She speaks to preteens in their own language about what it means to be in love, to confront sexuality, and to act responsibly, hoping to set the preteen on the right path toward a loving and fulfilling adolescence and adulthood.

Sensitively illustrated by noted illustrator Lynn Beckstrom, "The Preteen& rsquo;s First Book About Love, Sex, and AIDS" is a book for parents to share with their children & mdash; a book that can bridge the gap between the best efforts of a parent and the peer pressure of the schoolyard.

The Thirteen Treasures have become the Thirteen Curses. When fairies stole her brother, Red vowed to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm, she begs an audience with the fairy court where she strikes a bargain. Her brother will be returned - but only if she can find the thirteen charms of Tanya's bracelet that have been scattered in the human world. Returning to Elvesden Manor, Red is assisted by Tanya and Fabian and a desperate hunt begins. Soon they make a shocking discovery. The charms now have twisted qualities of the thirteen treasures they represent...and the longer they are missing the worse the consequences will be. Can Red, Tanya and Fabian find all the charms? And even if they do, will the fairies keep their promise?

"Harrison's examination of the Caribbean sugar industry straddles the line between a journalistic and a scholarly approach...Unique characteristics of the book are the personal vignettes and interviews with plantation workers, producers, traders, and buyers."
--"Choice"

What is life like on a sugar plantation at the end of the twentieth century? What will happen if the sugar industry collapses? How do the poverty-stricken cane cutters of rural Jamaica fit into the global economy? And how does sugar make its way from the canefield to our kitchens?

The Carribean's history is inseparable from sugar. In Jamaica entire communities depend on the sugar industry, earning a precarious living on old-fashioned plantations. For many the crop even doubles as currency. But as the advanced nations reassess the economic policies that keep sugar alive, time is running out for the island's industry.

King Sugar looks at the world sugar business, identifying the key playersproducers, markets and transnational companiesand explaining how the industry works. It explores the economics and politics of trading agreements, the mysteries of the futures market and the technology of sugar production. Based on interviews with traders, buyers and producers, it provides a unique look at the history of this commodity.

King Sugar also looks in detail at how ordinary people fit into this global industry. Through interviews with workers on a plantation she provides a vivid picture of producers and the crises they face. The book finally assesses the future of sugar, both in Jamaica and the wider world, and considers the options for those still ruled by "King Sugar."

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

This collection of amazing work, based on rigourous academic and practical research, brings together an overview of the 21st-century business case for sustainable development (Business Opportunities), incorporates innovative technical, structural and social advancements (Innovation), and explores the role of governance to lead and underpin business and communities in the shift towards a sustainable future (Governance). The editorial team from The Natural Edge Project have studied and incorporated the works of over 30 of the world's leaders in sustainability. This book combines the lessons of competitive advantage theory and practice, such as the works of Michael Porter, with the sustainability paradigm in light of the important developments in economics, innovation, business and governance over the last 30-50 years. Far from being in conflict with economics and business practice this book shows how we can maximize the well being of society and the environment and drive innovation in an increasingly competitive world. The book and an extensive companion web site are significant resources that offer core information for all those working on and in the new sustainable economy.

First published in 1971 The London that was Rome is both a detective story and a tale of buried treasure. Some years ago, Michael Harrison set out to discover the truth about Roman London. Did it survive the Saxon onslaught in the fifth century or (as many historians have claimed) did it lie sacked, ruined, and abandoned for about a century and a half? Searching for an answer, Harrison forged himself a new 'truth detecting' method of discovery; but even he could not anticipate the immense success of this method. With 'New Archaeology' he has not only recovered the street plan of Roman London, but also replaced the buildings-temples, barracks, banks, baths, picture-galleries, treasuries and so on - which lined those streets. In many cases he has been able to name the streets and at the same time vividly describe for us the social and economic life of a London, which under the Caesars, ranked among the principal cities of the Empire. This book is an interesting read for students of archaeology, history, and for general readers interested to know about London.

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre's capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America's foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

This book examines the dominant popular culture convention of the superhero, situated within the most significant global event of the last 20 years. Exploring the explosion of the superhero genre post-9/11, it sheds fresh light on the manner in which American society has processed and continues to process the trauma from the terrorist attacks. Beginning with the development of Batman in comics, television, and film, the authors offer studies of popular films including Iron Man, Captain America, The X-Men, Black Panther, and Wonder Woman, revealing the ways in which these texts meditate upon the events and aftermath of 9/11 and challenge the dominant hyper-patriotic narrative that emerged in response to the attacks. A study of the superhero genre's capacity to unpack complex global interplays that question America's foreign policy actions and the white, militarized masculinity that has characterized major discourses following 9/11, this volume explores the engagement of superhero films with issues of authority, patriotism, war, morals, race, gender, surveillance, the military industrial complex, and American political and social identities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of cultural and media studies, film studies, sociology, politics, and American studies.

Black cats born at midnight
Are different indeed
A mischievous, odd
And peculiar breed

In the middle of winter, three kittens are born in a barn. Two are ordinary, but the third, jet black and born on the stroke of midnight, is brimming with magic from whiskers to tail – even sparking life into a dusty old broomstick! While her siblings pounce at rats, Midnight perfects her flying skills on the broom, not noticing how her mother disapproves of her magical ways…

When Midnight finds herself abandoned, the little black kitten sets out to find a new home with only her loyal broom Twiggy at her side. The pair soon befriend a kind-hearted girl called Trixie. But how will Trixie’s family react to Midnight’s extraordinary powers and taste for mischief?

A bewitching new series from the best-selling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC, Michelle Harrison. Told in rhyming verse and illustrated in colour throughout, this is perfect for readers of SQUISHY MCFLUFF, HUBBLE BUBBLE and GOBBOLINO.

Misty has just started at school and Ella and Jack are keen to make her feel welcome. But Misty isn't like the other children; she has a spell book, she keeps vanishing, and why is she holding that broomstick? Can Ella and Jack solve the mystery of the new girl? The New Girl's Secret is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years

Sisters, secrets and spellbinding adventure. Discover the Pinch of Magic Adventures from bestselling Michelle Harrison, where everyone knows that magic and trouble go hand in hand . . . A Storm of Sisters - out now! It should have been a fresh start for the Widdershins sisters, Betty, Fliss and Charlie, who have left the misty gloom of Crowstone for a new life in the pretty village of Pendlewick. But all is not as it seems and as one of their own begins to slip away from them, the sisters find themselves in a race against time to break a dark magic that has cast a spell over the village. A Gold Standard Selection from the Junior Library Guild, discover the third spellbinding Pinch of Magic adventure from Michelle Harrison, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Read all of the Widdershins sisters' adventures in A Pinch of Magic, A Sprinkle of Sorcery and A Storm of Sisters. Praise for the Pinch of Magic Adventures 'A spellbinding story, steeped in magic. I adored it.' Abi Elphinstone 'Brilliant' Emma Carroll 'What a gorgeous, funny, creepy, page-turny story! If you're yet to discover the Widdershins sisters books, you're in for a TREAT!' Lucy Strange 'A stunner. Such great writing!' Peter Bunzl 'I love Michelle Harrison - I hadn't read much fantasy but this series hooked me! Brilliant writing, beautiful!' Lisa Thompson 'Simply phenomenal' Sophie Anderson 'The wry enchantment of an E. Nesbit classic' Guardian 'Fantasy and adventure appear on every page of this spellbinding tale' Daily Mail

Orphaned Mary Lennox doesn't want to live on the moors in a dark and gloomy mansion. The only thing that interests her is the story of the secret garden which her uncle has locked up forever. But then she finds a key ... Will Mary bring the garden back to life and discover the other secret Misselthwaite Manor is hiding? The Secret Garden is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Reading age: 8-9 years

"Consuming Interests" focuses upon the key interests which lead to the provision of food choices: corporate retailers, government regulators and consumer organisations; and examines how a retailed form of food governance has emerged. Divided into three sections: Concepts and Strategies, National Strategies and Local Strategies, the book provides a detailed examination of corporate retailers, state agencies and consumer organisations involved in the food sector. The analysis raises some key social scientific questions concerning what the public can expect the central and local state to ensure; what limits there may be upon state action; and what the most appropriate balances should be between public and private interests in the provision of "quality" foods. Blending critical theory, empirical research and policy, "Consuming Interests" provides a topical and interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of food provision, policy and regulation and gives an insight into the broader social science concerns of the nature and powers of the contemporary state.

"Consuming Interests" focuses upon the key interests which lead to the provision of food choices: corporate retailers, government regulators and consumer organisations; and examines how a retailed form of food governance has emerged. Divided into three sections: Concepts and Strategies, National Strategies and Local Strategies, the book provides a detailed examination of corporate retailers, state agencies and consumer organisations involved in the food sector. The analysis raises some key social scientific questions concerning what the public can expect the central and local state to ensure; what limits there may be upon state action; and what the most appropriate balances should be between public and private interests in the provision of "quality" foods. Blending critical theory, empirical research and policy, "Consuming Interests" provides a topical and interdisciplinary exploration into the nature of food provision, policy and regulation and gives an insight into the broader social science concerns of the nature and powers of the contemporary state.

'A SPELLBINDING STORY, STEEPED IN MAGIC. I ADORED IT' - Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song

Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse.

Three magical objects with the power to change their fate.

Will they be enough to break the curse?

Or will they lead the sisters even deeper into danger? ...

The enchanting new story from Michelle Harrison, author of the bestselling THIRTEEN TREASURES trilogy

From the bestselling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC comes another spellbinding adventure that will take your breath away and make you believe in magic.

A missing sister, a secret island and ... a sprinkle of sorcery.

The family curse has been lifted and the Widdershins sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie are free to leave the misty prison isle of Crowstone. But when a mysterious girl arrives at the Poacher’s Pocket with a pocketful of hagstones and accompanied by a will-o’-the-wisp, it seems another adventure has landed on their doorstep. And when Charlie goes missing, it’s up to Betty and Fliss to journey through misty marches, past wisp catchers and on to a secret island that doesn’t exist on any map…

The aim of this book is to bring students of economics and finance who have only an introductory background in mathematics up to a quite advanced level in the subject, thus preparing them for the core mathematical demands of econometrics, economic theory, quantitative finance and mathematical economics, which they are likely to encounter in their final-year courses and beyond. The level of the book will also be useful for those embarking on the first year of their graduate studies in Business, Economics or Finance. The book also serves as an introduction to quantitative economics and finance for mathematics students at undergraduate level and above. In recent years, mathematics graduates have been increasingly expected to have skills in practical subjects such as economics and finance, just as economics graduates have been expected to have an increasingly strong grounding in mathematics. The authors avoid the pitfalls of many texts that become too theoretical. The use of mathematical methods in the real world is never lost sight of and quantitative analysis is brought to bear on a variety of topics including foreign exchange rates and other macro level issues.

Cents and Sustainability is a clear-sighted response to the 1987 call by Dr Gro Brundtland in Our Common Future to achieve a new era of economic growth that is 'forceful and at the same time socially and environmentally sustainable'. The Brundtland Report argued that not only was it achievable, but that it was an urgent imperative in order to achieve a transition to sustainable development while significantly reducing poverty and driving 'clean and green' investment. With some still arguing for significantly slowing economic growth in order to reduce pressures on the environment, this new book, Cents and Sustainability, shows that it is possible to reconcile the need for economic growth and environmental sustainability through a strategy to decouple economic growth from environmental pressures, combined with a renewed commitment to achieve significant environmental restoration and poverty reduction. Beginning with a brief overview of some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, the book then explains 'decoupling theory', overviews a number of factors that can undermine and even block efforts to decouple in both developed and developing countries, and then discusses a number of key considerations to assist the development of national 'decoupling strategies'. The book then focuses on presenting evidence to support greater action, not just on climate change, but also on decoupling economic growth from the loss of biodiversity and the deterioration of natural systems, freshwater extraction, waste production, and air pollution. In the lead up to the 2012 United Nations Earth Summit and beyond, Cents and Sustainability will be a crucial guide to inform and assist nations to develop strategies to significantly reduce environmental pressures, strengthen their economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. 'I commend the team from The Natural Edge Project and their partners for undertaking to develop a response to 'Our Common Future' to mark its 20th anniversary.' Dr Gro Brundtland. Sequel to The Natural Advantage of Nations Published with The Natural Edge Project

This book is more than just a 'palliative care' guide for the planet - it is about innovation, solutions, competitiveness and profitability. At work, at home and as members of society, our generation has an opportunity - to be part of the obligation - and an exciting solution in restoring the balance. The authors present a bold vision for the future and demonstrate how we can get there, drawing on lessons of competitive advantage theory and the latest in sustainability, economics, innovation, business and governance theory and practice. The result is nothing less than the most authoritative and comprehensive guide to date, to building the new ecologically sustainable economy. For further information about The Natural Edge Project and to view the book's online companion, visit www.naturaledgeproject.net.

Black cats born at midnight Are magic, it's true! Just waiting to have An adventure with you. Trixie and Midnight are playing outside when they have a run in with a witch, who seems particularly interested in the cat's magic powers. The very next morning, Trixie wakes to find that Midnight has been catnapped! Trixie, Nan and Dad set off to the rescue. Meanwhile, Midnight has a plan of her own. But it's going to take a more than a sprinkle of magic to escape the witch's trap... A bewitching new series from the best-selling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC, Michelle Harrison. Told in rhyming verse and with colour illustrations from Elissa Elwick throughout, this is perfect for readers of SQUISHY MCFLUFF, HUBBLE BUBBLE and GOBBOLINO. PRAISE FOR MIDNIGHT MAGIC: "This is the perfect next step after picture books with fun rhyming text and sweet illustrations - a gorgeous young fiction book with plenty of sparkle!" - Toppsta

Use this fast and complete guide to optimize the performance of MongoDB databases and the applications that depend on them. You will be able to turbo-charge the performance of your MongoDB applications to provide a better experience for your users, reduce your running costs, and avoid application growing pains. MongoDB is the world's most popular document database and the foundation for thousands of mission-critical applications. This book helps you get the best possible performance from MongoDB. MongoDB Performance Tuning takes a methodical and comprehensive approach to performance tuning that begins with application and schema design and goes on to cover optimization of code at all levels of an application. The book also explains how to configure MongoDB hardware and cluster configuration for optimal performance. The systematic approach in the book helps you treat the true causes of performance issues and get the best return on your tuning investment. Even when you're under pressure and don't know where to begin, simply follow the method in this book to set things right and get your MongoDB performance back on track. What You Will Learn Apply a methodical approach to MongoDB performance tuning Understand how to design an efficient MongoDB application Optimize MongoDB document design and indexing strategies Tune MongoDB queries, aggregation pipelines, and transactions Optimize MongoDB server resources: CPU, memory, disk Configure MongoDB Replica sets and Sharded clusters for optimal performance Who This Book Is For Developers and administrators of high-performance MongoDB applications who want to be sure they are getting the best possible performance from their MongoDB system. For developers who wish to create applications that are fast, scalable, and cost-effective. For administrators who want to optimize their MongoDB server and hardware configuration.

The Caribbean's history is inseparable from sugar, and the crop is still an important feature in the economics of many islands, from Cuba to Barbados. In Jamaica entire communities depend on the sugar industry, earning a precarious living on old-fashioned plantations. What is life like on a sugar plantation at the end of the 20th century? What will happen if the sugar industry collapses? How do the poverty-stricken cane-cutters of rural Jamaica fit into this global industry? This work looks at the world sugar business, identifying the key players - producers, markets and transnational companies - and explaining how the industry works. It explores the economics and politics of trading arrangements, the mysteries of the futures market and the technology of sugar production. Based on interviews with traders, buyers and producers, it follows the commodity's progress from canefield to sugar bowl. The book finally assesses the future of sugar, both in Jamaica and the wider world, and considers future options for those still ruled by "King Sugar".

There are secrets hidden beneath the ice . . . bring the magic home in the frosty fourth instalment of the bestselling Pinch of Magic Adventures, from the award-winning author Michelle Harrison.

When the Widdershins sisters and Granny are called away in deepest winter to look after cousin Clarissa, it doesn’t take long for adventure – or trouble – to find them. The town of Wilderness has plenty to explore with its frozen lake and winter market, as well as being haunted by a doomed highwayman and his secret love. But the legends are true and seeing a ghostly figure one night, the girls realise that Granny is in terrible danger.

As an icy storm rages, the race to save her begins – can the sisters lay Wilderness’s ghosts to rest before another soul is claimed?